(Vermilion County-jm) – A 79-year-old man was recovered from the Lake Vermilion water after going under Tuesday. The Vermilion County Sheriff's Department said it was dispatched Tuesday to a call at Lake Vermilion County Park about a male that went into the water to try and get to his boat, which had floated away from the dock. A female witness watched him go into the lake and did not see him resurface. She got into the water and tried to rescue him, but could not locate him. At about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the sheriff's department underwater search and rescue dive team recovered the man from the water.
(Urbana-jm) – 17-year-old Ontario Walls agreed to prosecution in adult court and pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of a weapon for possessing a fully automatic firearm on January 14. Pursuant to an agreement between Walls and the State’s Attorney’s Office, he was sentenced to 10 years in jail. Due to his age, Walls will begin serving that sentence in the Department of Juvenile Justice and then be transferred to the Department of Corrections when he turns 18. On January 14, Champaign Police investigated an armed robbery in which the victim reported he was selling a phone and the suspect stole the phone from him at gunpoint. Officers located Walls in the area and found a 9mm handgun in his front pocket.
(Iroquois County-tr) – The Iroquois County Board is currently reviewing legislation that would require a license to host raffles and poker runs here in Iroquois County. Iroquois County Board Chairman John Shure says at this time the board is going to re-evaluate the proposed legislation…
Iroquois County Board Chairman John Shure
(Urbana-jm) – The city of Urbana is taking steps to stop the cycle of gun violence and provide support for victims. The city is considering funding a temporary apartment or house for victims, paid for with federal COVID-19 dollars or possibly general funds. This would ensure victims have somewhere safe to stay, while they make plans for the future. Advocates hope this will break the cycle of violence and help victims heal.
(Ford-Iroquois-tr) – Ford and Iroquois County farmers are looking to start planting early this season. Ford-Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager David Treece says most farmers are keeping a 50/50 rotation this year but have concerns of supply issues…
Ford-Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager David Treece
(St. Joseph-jm) – A St. Joseph man on bond for an unresolved drug and gun case is facing more charges. Kameron Farmer is charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine after a deputy stopped his vehicle for expired plates. Deputies found 80 grams of cocaine, 12 grams of cannabis and 12 Adderall pills. Bond was set at $500,000. He’s due back in court April 19th.
(Washington-jm) – USDA is expecting tighter U.S. corn ending stocks -- largely for two main reasons. Stephanie Ho reports…
(Springfield-jm) – The State Board of Education is awarding millions of dollars in grants to help support the mental health of students and teachers. The 136 grants total over 86 million dollars and are going to districts around the state to address the various needs of Illinois schoolchildren. The Board’s Director of Wellness Cara Wiley says programs being funded include…
State Board of Education Director of Wellness Cara Wiley. Other areas that can be addressed are substance abuse, college prep, mental health screenings and fitness activities for both students and staff.
(Champaign-jm) – The 18-year-old suspect in a shooting near Centennial High School six months ago will be tried as an adult, according to Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz. Montres Reed was 17 years old at the time of the incident, which happened on September 15. Police officers responded to shots-fired incident near the school that day and found 13 shell casings in two separate spots, which led them to believe there were multiple shooters. After interviewing witnesses and finding surveillance footage, they identified Reed and Novodny Lemons as suspects. Reed was identified as having fired the two shots officers found in one spot. witnesses reported an argument between Reed and Lemons in the parking lot of Piccadilly Beverage Shop prior to the shooting. The argument was due to apparent disrespect of a shooting victim from Danville. Reed and Lemons are both charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, a class X felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison. Lemon’s case was already transferred from juvenile to adult court. Both are being held on $250,000 bonds. Reed is set to appear in court on April 19.
(Melvin-jm) – Country fans rejoice, Chris Janson is coming to the Ford County Fair. The platinum-selling artist will headline on June 17 at the fairgrounds in Melvin. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. on Friday. You can buy them online. The tickets include fair admission, parking, and carnival rides, according to fair officials.
(St. Joseph -tr) – Honorary signs will be placed in St. Joseph to honor local residents who served the village in remarkable ways. Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges has more about the project…
St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges
(Champaign-jm) – As Spring approaches, the City of Champaign wants people to get their yards ready for it. The city announced the dates of its 2022 Spring Yard Waste Collection, with the two zones in the city each having a collection date in April and May. Homes located in the Orange Zone will have their collection dates on April 11 and May 9. Homes located in the Blue Zone will have their collection dates on April 18 and May 16.
(Washington-jm) – Prices for U.S. soybeans are strong and are likely to rise a bit more. Stephanie Ho reports…
